CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Orioles right-hander Nate Karns has been scratched from his scheduled start on Friday because of general arm soreness. Manager Brandon Hyde said the club is taking an extra cautious approach with Karns, in part, because of a recent history of arm and shoulder issues.
Karns, 31, was the only free agent signed to a Major League contract by new Orioles general manager Mike Elias in his first offseason. His deal includes an $800,000 base salary and up to $200,000 in incentives.
Karns is penciled in to be the Orioles' fourth starter, but he is also a bullpen option depending on how the spring plays out. He made his spring debut on Monday and allowed six baserunners and two earned runs in 1 2/3 innings. However, Karns said he came out of the start healthy.
“He’s got some general arm soreness that we want to be really careful with,” Hyde said. “We’re going to push him back a couple of days. Maybe throw a side instead on Sunday and then kind of go back on his routine from there."
Karns didn’t pitch last season while recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in July 2017. He made nine appearances (eight starts) for the Royals that season, going 2-2 with a 4.17 ERA. He has also pitched for the Nationals, Rays and Mariners.
“Just want to give him a little bit of a blow," Hyde said. "He’s got some history there not being in a competitive situation and having some arm issues the last few years. Really want to be careful.”
Cobb more focused this spring
Right-hander Alex Cobb, who will make his spring debut on Friday against the Rays, did not think a shortened Spring Training would be a big deal in 2018.
“I underestimated what Spring Training really was,” he said. “Even while I was struggling, I didn’t attribute it as much to Spring Training as I should have. As a competitor, your pride takes over: 'I’ve been doing this for so many years. I’m fine. Let’s go.'
“I’ve been pitching against the Red Sox my entire career. Then you get on the mound at Fenway Park, and you’ve got a seven spot hung on you before you can understand what’s happening.”
Cobb signed a four-year, $57 million deal with the Orioles on March 21, 2018, and made his debut on April 14. He allowed seven earned runs in 3 2/3 innings, and that was the beginning of a nightmarish start.
But he turned his season around with a 2.59 ERA in his last 12 appearances and hopes to build off that finish in 2019.
“I’m really appreciative of the way I finished the season,” Cobb said. “I want to do what I did in the second half and improve on it and understand why it happened. Once you understand, it’s easier to have more success.”
Top prospect Diaz raking
The Orioles and the Phillies tied, 5-5, on Friday, but 22-year-old top prospect Yusniel Diaz had three hits and is batting .500.
“He hit the ball on the nose four times,” Hyde said. “He’s taking really good at-bats. It’s great to see a young kid drive the ball to both sides of the field with confidence. Obviously, he’s a huge part of our future and showing why.”
Broadcasting update
The Orioles announced that ESPN’s Kevin Brown will be part of the club’s radio broadcast team for around 50 games in 2019. In addition, Sara Perlman will be the MASN sideline reporter during all regular-season games and Roch Kubatko will do analysis in an assortment of roles.
Up next
Cobb will pitch Friday’s first game against the Rays in Sarasota at 1:05 p.m. ET. John Means will start the O's other split-squad contest against the Yankees in Tampa at 6:35 ET.